Comprehensive Access Research Articles

A Start-Up Approach to Easy Financing: Solar Energy for Homes and Businesses in Davao City

This study explores innovative financing solutions to expedite the adoption of solar energy systems among households and businesses in Davao City, Philippines. The urgency of addressing climate change and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources has amplified the importance of solar energy as a viable alternative. However, the significant initial investment required for solar installations poses a substantial barrier, especially in developing regions such as the Philippines. Existing literature, including IRENA (2014) and subsequent studies by the International Renewable Energy Agency (2021), underscores both the socio-economic benefits of solar energy and the financial challenges in Southeast Asian adoption, mainly due to high costs. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, integrating quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative aspect employed a descriptive design, incorporating surveys and interviews with homeowners, business owners, financial institutions, and solar energy providers across three districts in Davao City. The qualitative component involved grounded theory, focusing on in-depth interviews and group discussions to identify barriers and shape tailored solutions. This comprehensive data collection facilitated the development of a locally adapted financing model. Analysis of findings showed that while there is a strong interest in solar energy, significant obstacles persist, including high upfront costs (cited by 68% of respondents) and limited awareness of financing alternatives (noted by 45%). The proposed start-up model incorporates microfinancing and flexible payment structures, addressing these challenges and incorporating community involvement in financing decisions. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that an adaptable financing model can drive solar energy adoption in Davao City, fostering sustainable growth and energy self-sufficiency. This framework could be applied in similar contexts across Southeast Asia, promoting more comprehensive renewable energy access and supporting the region's transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Treatment Approaches for Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections.

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has been associated with over three hundred thousand annualdeaths globally. It is resistant to most available antibiotics and associated with high morbidity and mortality. No global consensus currently exists for treatment strategies that balance safety and efficacy because of heterogeneity of treatment regimens in current clinical practice and scarcity of large-scale controlled studies arising from difficulties in establishing robust clinical outcomes. This review outlines the epidemiology and resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, then summarizes available clinical data on each approved agent with activity against this pathogen. Emerging treatment options such as cefiderocol and sulbactam-durlobactam show promise, but their success hinges on comprehensive clinical validation and access in regions most impacted by this pathogen. New therapeutic modalities that are in various stages of clinical development are also discussed.

Multidisciplinary Approach of a Male Case of Imported Malaria, HIV Chronic Infection, and Latent Syphilis

Background: The current economic and social crisis in Latin America has caused migration to the USA, bringing with it Public Health challenges due to the importation of various infectious diseases. Migrants, particularly those with chronic conditions, such as HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), are at greater risk due to pharmacological interruption and access to medical care, so the timely detection of diseases acquired during their migration, such as malaria, is crucial to avoid health complications. Objective: To outline by a multidisciplinary approach (Infectology, Parasitology, Epidemiology, molecular Biology, Venereology, and Public Health) the diagnosis and management of a male case with malaria imported to Mexican territory, HIV chronic infection, and latent syphilis. Methods: A male migrant of Venezuelan nationality attended the Clínica Especializada Condesa Iztapalapa in Mexico City for health complications. A comprehensive analysis of laboratory and molecular tests was performed to confirm HIV infection. During the STI diagnostic algorithm, latent syphilis was detected and microscopic observation of blood smears revealed parasitic forms compatible with malaria. Standard and molecular tests were applied under the operational definition for malaria cases for identification, diagnosis, and treatment. Finally, study of clinical history and migration route by questioning for the investigation of the imported case was performed. Results: The immigrant was diagnosed with HIV chronic-stage infection with interrupted antiretroviral therapy (ART), latent syphilis, and malaria by Plasmodium vivax. The ART administered was chosen based on the possible drug interaction with antimalarials and genetic barrier to the HLA-B* allele. Finally, antimicrobial therapy against syphilis was penicillin. From the analysis of the migratory route, incubation time of imported malaria, and questioning, we speculated that the migrant acquired the P. vivax infection in Panama. Conclusions: This case highlights the complex health problems faced by migrants with HIV infection, particularly when they contract additional infections such as malaria during migration and highlights the need for comprehensive access to healthcare and ART, antimalarial and antimicrobial treatments to mitigate the health risks of this vulnerable population.

Understanding the landscape: assistive technology and work challenges for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Barriers, such as inadequate accessibility and accommodation, may impede employment access and progression for people with disabilities (PwDs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study examined how assistive technology (AT) utilization influences the employment experiences of PwDs in KSA. We explored AT types in use and whether gender, age, and disability type shape AT effectiveness. We sought to identify challenges hindering AT adoption, and effectiveness in workplaces. We explored potential remedies through government and corporate actions. A qualitative case-report study was conducted with 13 PwDs (10 males, 3 females; age range, 26‒47 years) of varying occupations. Diverse disabilities were represented: cognitive impairment, speech impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), visual impairment, mobility impairment, hearing impairment, learning disability, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), physical impairment, and anxiety disorder. Individual interviews were conducted in Arabic with open-ended questions addressing employment opportunities, work challenges, the importance of employment, and employment-related factors. Mixed descriptive and inductive methods were used to identify themes. The participants also completed a 21-item Likert-type standardized exploratory questionnaire. The findings indicated that workplace inclusivity of PwDs and widespread AT adoption in KSA are hindered by a lack of awareness, stigma, accommodation costs, limitations of technical compatibility or lack of standardization, and inadequate AT training and technical support. Greater disability inclusion support in workplace environments, with tailored assistance and comprehensive accessibility measures, is needed in KSA. Companies should pursue accommodation individualization and actions aimed at improving awareness and reducing stigma. Governments should pursue legislation that supports AT adoption and awareness campaigns.

Genetic Diversity and Drug Resistance Mutations in HIV-1 pol Gene Sequences in the Philippines: A Retrospective Genomic Analysis

The Philippines has experienced a significant increase in HIV-1 infections in recent years, with a growing epidemic driven by the CRF01_AE strain. Understanding the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in the Philippines is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies and the prevention of drug resistance. This study analyzed comprehensive data on common resistance mutation patterns from 2009 to 2017, revealing an increasing trend of mutations observed in NRTI and NNRTI resistance among the predominant CRF01_AE strains. The most common NRTI mutations observed were M184V, K65R, and S68G, whereas the most common NNRTI mutations were K103N, Y181C, and G190A. The study also found a high prevalence of M184V minority variants (0.5-20%) in treatment-naive patients, which could increase the risk of virological failure in 3TC-containing regimens. The findings of this study highlight the importance of comprehensive drug resistance surveillance and access to resistance testing to guide optimal first-line antiretroviral treatment selection and to manage the growing HIV-1 epidemic in the Philippines. The development of effective strategies to prevent and manage drug resistance is crucial to ensuring the long-term success of HIV treatment programs in the country.

High-resolution multi-source traffic data in New Zealand

Traffic information is crucial for managing transportation and city planning, but obtaining national-scale data is difficult due to privacy concerns. Consequently, most current traffic datasets have limitations in terms of time and location coverage, leading to a lack of comprehensive public access to national traffic data. To address this issue, a multi-source highway traffic dataset has been created, featuring 2042 sensors in New Zealand over a 9-year period with 15-minute intervals and accompanying metadata. The dataset includes data of both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as weather information like temperature and precipitation. This dataset has diverse potential research applications such as traffic flow prediction and congestion management.

Developing a Novel Surgical Care Access Score for Osteoarthritis Patients Considering Total Knee Replacement.

Access to specialized orthopedic care is an important determinant of the decision to undergo total knee replacement (TKR); however, most studies have mainly utilized distance to the nearest high-volume hospital as the primary proxy for access. We applied the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method to develop a more comprehensive TKR access score that accounts for other potential factors, i.e., supply of and demand for this procedure, that also affect access. To apply the 2SFCA method, we first estimated TKR demand using the CDC estimates of prevalence of osteoarthritis, which was multiplied by estimates of patients who would potentially benefit from TKR. We then estimated TKR supply using the number of TKRs performed in each hospital, extracted from the CMS MedPAR database. For the nationwide analysis, we estimated the access score for a radius of 55 km around each census tract in the contiguous US. For a subset of the census tracts, we employed a more realistic but more computationally intensive 42-minute driving distance to determine the robustness of the 55 km assumption, and calculated the Spearman rank correlation between the two access scores. Across the US, the access score was categorized low for 51%, medium for 24%, and high for 25% of census tracts. The Spearman correlation coefficient between these national scores and those with 42-minute driving time was 0.75. We developed a novel TKR care access score that may enhance quality measures available to patients, providers, payors and researchers.

Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for Improving the Health System in Afghanistan: Innovative Approaches and Sustainable Solutions

This research explores the challenges and opportunities for improving the health system in Afghanistan. The healthcare system is critical to any country's social and economic development. Equitable and comprehensive access to health and medical services is vital for public health and plays a critical role in improving quality of life, reducing poverty, and enhancing workforce productivity. Afghanistan, a country that has experienced decades of war, political instability, and economic crises, faces significant challenges in healthcare. The main objective is to identify the significant issues within the healthcare system and propose sustainable solutions to enhance the quality of health services. Using a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative), data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts and a review of credible scientific sources. The findings indicate that a lack of healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of specialized human resources, and management issues are among the primary challenges facing Afghanistan's healthcare system. Additionally, opportunities such as international support and utilizing modern technologies in healthcare have been identified. The study concludes that investment in infrastructure, human resource training, and strengthening international collaborations are essential to improve the healthcare situation in Afghanistan.

AI-Powered Semantic Framework for Inclusive Web Accessibility Evaluation

Web accessibility is a critical aspect of inclusive digital experiences, ensuring equitable access for users with diverse abilities. Despite significant advancements, existing automated tools often fail to detect complex and context-specific accessibility issues. This research proposes an AI-powered semantic framework for comprehensive web accessibility evaluation, leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze and interpret web content with a focus on inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards. The framework integrates semantic analysis to identify nuanced accessibility barriers, such as inadequate alt text, improper heading structures, and color contrast violations, which are often missed by traditional tools. By utilizing machine learning and natural language processing, the proposed solution aims to bridge gaps in guideline interpretation and enhance the detection of user experience challenges. Additionally, this research incorporates user feedback mechanisms and expert insights to continuously refine the framework, making it adaptable to evolving accessibility needs. Extensive testing across diverse web environments demonstrates the framework's ability to improve detection accuracy, reduce evaluation times, and provide actionable insights to developers. The proposed framework not only advances automated accessibility evaluation but also contributes to fostering a more inclusive internet by empowering developers and organizations to proactively address accessibility barriers.

Exploring the Impact of Information and Health Literacy on Health Management of Senior Adults with Hypertension

This research examines the relationship between information literacy and health issues in senior adults with age-related conditions such as hypertension. Utilizing Chatman's Theory of Life in the Round and drawing from data sourced from Reddit posts, surveys, and interviews, the study investigates the influence of higher education and literacy levels on the frequency of health-related inquiries among a marginalized group, seniors. It also identifies the digital divide as a notable barrier to accessing health information for specific senior individuals. The study underscores the significance of factors such as physical exercise, stress management, educational attainment, and a well-balanced diet in shaping seniors' management of hypertension. Additionally, it emphasizes the vital role of information and health literacy in empowering seniors to make informed decisions about their well-being and health.Furthermore, the study sheds light on seniors' proactive approach to seeking health information and recommends targeted interventions to ensure comprehensive access to health information for all seniors. These interventions are crucial in addressing the unique challenges this demographic faces. The findings from this dissertation provide valuable insights that could aid in designing valuable and practical guidelines and best practices for supporting the management of hypertension in seniors, contributing significantly to understanding how information literacy and health literacy can be harnessed to help seniors effectively manage their health.

Performance Evaluation for the Expansion of Multi-Level Rail Transit Network in Xi’an Metropolitan Area: Empirical Analysis on Accessibility and Resilience

As the main form of new urbanization, the coordinated development of cities in metropolitan areas requires reliable and efficient rail transit skeleton support. However, in the rapid development of metropolitan areas, the layout and analysis of multi-level rail transit systems have a certain lag. Taking the Xi’an metropolitan area as an example, this study analyzes the comprehensive accessibility and resilience of the multi-level rail transit network, and proposes an expansion plan accordingly. The traffic analysis zone (TAZ) is divided by towns and streets, and the relationship between points of interest (POIs) and the regional average level is analyzed using DEA. The improved weighted average travel time model is built with the analysis results as regional weights; a site selection model based on multiple construction influencing factors is proposed, and four expansion plans, namely, economic optimal, environmental optimal, transport optimal, and integrated optimal, are designed. The peak passenger flow scenario and the “failure–reparation” scenario during the entire operation period are designed to analyze the resilience of four plans, and the resilience is quantified by the elasticity curve of the maximum connected subgraph ratio (MCSR) changing over time. The research results show that the transport optimal plan has the best comprehensive accessibility and resilience, reducing travel costs in Houzhenzi Town, which has the worst accessibility, by 34%. The expansion model and evaluation method in this study can provide an empirical example for the development of other metropolitan areas and provide a reasonable benchmark and guidance for the development of multi-level rail transit networks in future urban areas.

Tennessee Medicaid patient immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception utilization

ObjectivesTo understand immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (IPP LARC) desire and utilization trends among publicly insured patients delivering at one academic hospital in a state with health care barriers and high short-interval birth rates. Study designWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of electronic delivery records between March 2018 and June 2023 for publicly insured patients. Patient demographics, IPP LARC desire and utilization trends were compared using χ2 or Fisher exact tests. Binary logistic regression explored the relationship between IPP LARC utilization and demographics. Multivariable logistic regression was performed on all statistically significant variables. ResultsAnalysis included 10,472 delivery encounters; 2459 (23.5%) requested IPP LARC on admission and 464 (4.4%) changed contraception to IPP LARC after admission. Among those obtaining IPP LARC (n = 2523, 24.1%), 1224 (48.5%) selected arm implants and 1299 selected intrauterine devices (IUDs). Patients who self-reported as non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic Other or multiple races utilized IPP LARC less (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.98, aOR=0.68, CI 95%: 0.48–0.97, respectively). Patients with cesarean delivery (aOR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.31–1.61) or inadequate prenatal care (aOR=1.54, CI 95%: 1.35–1.75) were more likely to utilize IPP LARC. Maternal age and years of education were inversely associated with utilization. Primiparous patients were less likely to utilize IPP LARC. ConclusionsLong-acting reversible contraception (LARC) utilization was 24.1% during the immediate postpartum period; higher than the 11% nationally reported interval LARC use among publicly insured patients. Understanding the demographics of those desiring IPP LARC could highlight accessibility gaps. The impact of IPP LARC utilization on rates of short-interval birth is being evaluated. ImplicationsUnderstanding the demographics of IPP LARC utilizers may contribute to understanding accessibility gaps and facilitate discernment of factors impacting patient initiation. Evidence suggests that comprehensive contraception access during delivery admission is feasible, patient-desired, and essential.

Development of a comprehensive open access "molecules with androgenic activity resource (MAAR)" to facilitate risk assessment of chemicals.

The increasing prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their potential adverse effects on human health underscore the necessity for robust tools to assess and manage associated risks. The androgen receptor (AR) is a critical component of the endocrine system, playing a pivotal role in mediating the biological effects of androgens, which are male sex hormones. Exposure to androgen-disrupting chemicals during critical periods of development, such as fetal development or puberty, may result in adverse effects on reproductive health, including altered sexual differentiation, impaired fertility, and an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Therefore, androgenic activity data is critical for chemical risk assessment. A large amount of androgenic data has been generated using various experimental protocols. Moreover, the data are reported in different formats and in diverse sources. To facilitate utilization of androgenic activity data in chemical risk assessment, the Molecules with Androgenic Activity Resource (MAAR) was developed. MAAR is the first open-access platform designed to streamline and enhance the risk assessment of chemicals with androgenic activity. MAAR's development involved the integration of diverse data sources, including data from public databases and mining literature, to establish a reliable and versatile repository. The platform employs a user-friendly interface, enabling efficient navigation and extraction of pertinent information. MAAR is poised to advance chemical risk assessment by offering unprecedented access to information crucial for evaluating the androgenic potential of a wide array of chemicals. The open-access nature of MAAR promotes transparency and collaboration, fostering a collective effort to address the challenges posed by androgenic EDCs.

Pregnancy Planning and Genetic Testing: Exploring Advantages, and Challenges.

Pregnancy planning and genetic testing (PPGT) has emerged as a tool in reproductive healthcare, offering parents-to-be insight in their risks of having a child with a genetic disorder. This paper reviews the advantages, drawbacks and challenges associated with PPGT, providing some practical guidance for health care professionals. Advantages include identification of genetic risks, a possibility to informed reproductive decision-making, and the potential to reduce the parents-to-be risk for an affected child. Challenges and drawbacks include provision of service, ethical considerations, genetic counselling complexities, and the need to increase public and professional awareness by comprehensive education and accessibility. Practical guidance involves considerations for selecting appropriate candidates, counselling strategies, and how to integrate PPGT into existing healthcare frameworks. By addressing these factors, PPGT can offer an increased reproductive informed choice for the individual and the couple reducing the burden of disease in the family.

Toward A Comprehensive Framework for Accessibility Measures for Movement-Challenged Persons

Access is one of the most important rights for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly for movement-challenged persons (MCPs). To adopt appropriate policy measures that ensure this right for MCPs, it is necessary to evaluate accessibility appropriately. There are, however, very few accessibility measures applicable to MCPs. The current study proposes a framework for a novel comprehensive accessibility measure for MCPs (CAMMCP) by integrating parameters of universal design and the impact of mode-specific challenges faced by MCPs with existing accessibility measures following an origin-to-destination approach. The study presents a literature review of existing accessibility measures and suggests approaches to modify measures to suit mobility challenges faced by MCPs. Modified accessibility measures have been integrated with other parameters related to universal design and mode-specific problems. Universal-design-related parameters will include ramp slope and curb cuts, which can be measured through physical survey. Information on the impact of mode-specific challenges to MCP accessibility can be collected through questionnaires and participatory survey methods. The study also suggests approaches to modifying existing accessibility measures that do not differentiate between mobility constraints for MCPs and non-MCPs when evaluating accessibility. CAMMCP will be helpful for transportation policymakers taking the initiative to improve built-environment accessibility for MCPs as well as for evaluating projects through the lens of transport equity. It can be particularly helpful in determining walkability and transit-service accessibility. Hopefully, it will help build better road networks and transportation modes to develop a sustainable and inclusive transportation system.

Academic Essay On Equitable Access To Mental Health Services In Brazil

Equitable access to mental health services in Brazil faces complex and interconnected challenges. Among the main issues are regional inequalities, socioeconomic barriers, and the stigma associated with mental disorders. Regional inequality results in significant differences in the quality and availability of mental health services between urban and rural areas. While large cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have advanced infrastructure and qualified professionals, rural areas and urban outskirts suffer from a lack of resources and professionals, limiting access to necessary care. Socioeconomic barriers also play a crucial role. Low-income populations face additional difficulties, such as lack of transportation and inadequate health insurance, which restrict access to mental health services. The lack of information and the stigmatization of mental disorders worsen the situation, discouraging individuals from seeking treatment due to fear of discrimination and prejudice. To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt integrated strategies. Expanding mental health infrastructure in underserved areas and creating integrated care networks are fundamental. Public policies should reduce socioeconomic inequalities by providing financial support and improving transportation. Awareness campaigns about mental health can overcome informational barriers and stigma. Continuous training of health professionals and community participation are also crucial to ensure inclusive and locally adapted care. With a coordinated effort, it is possible to promote more just and comprehensive access to mental health services in Brazil.

Integrating Chatbot Functionality in a Patient Summary Based Healthcare System.

The integration of chatbots in healthcare has gained attention due to their potential to enhance patient engagement and satisfaction. This paper presents a healthcare chatbot providing comprehensive access to patient summaries, aligned with the European Patient Summary. Leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities, our chatbot employs intent classification using the fine-tuned bioBERT model to categorize user queries effectively and extract relevant information from the patient summary stored in a database. We detail our methodology, which involves dataset creation, hyperparameter tuning, and model evaluation. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, with the trained model achieving high precision, recall, and F1 score across intent classes. Our study underscores the potential of emerging NLP techniques in patient interaction and healthcare delivery, covering the way for smarter, user-friendly companions.

Single-nucleus chromatin accessibility and transcriptomic map of breast tissues of women of diverse genetic ancestry.

Single-nucleus analysis allows robust cell-type classification and helps to establish relationships between chromatin accessibility and cell-type-specific gene expression. Here, using samples from 92 women of several genetic ancestries, we developed a comprehensive chromatin accessibility and gene expression atlas of the breast tissue. Integrated analysis revealed ten distinct cell types, including three major epithelial subtypes (luminal hormone sensing, luminal adaptive secretory precursor (LASP) and basal-myoepithelial), two endothelial and adipocyte subtypes, fibroblasts, T cells, and macrophages. In addition to the known cell identity genes FOXA1 (luminal hormone sensing), EHF and ELF5 (LASP), TP63 and KRT14 (basal-myoepithelial), epithelial subtypes displayed several uncharacterized markers and inferred gene regulatory networks. By integrating breast epithelial cell gene expression signatures with spatial transcriptomics, we identified gene expression and signaling differences between lobular and ductal epithelial cells and age-associated changes in signaling networks. LASP cells and fibroblasts showed genetic ancestry-dependent variability. An estrogen receptor-positive subpopulation of LASP cells with alveolar progenitor cell state was enriched in women of Indigenous American ancestry. Fibroblasts from breast tissues of women of African and European ancestry clustered differently, with accompanying gene expression differences. Collectively, these data provide a vital resource for further exploring genetic ancestry-dependent variability in healthy breast biology.

Sustaining village malaria worker programmes with expanded roles: Perspectives of communities, healthcare workers, policymakers, and implementers in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, multiple types of community-based malaria workers are recruited to promote access to malaria testing and treatment for at-risk mobile and migrant populations. However, as the country approaches elimination, these roles are at risk from declining investment. This article characterises the different types of workers and relevant health policy in Vietnam, and explores stakeholder perspectives on sustaining and expanding the roles of these workers in the malaria elimination context. We conducted a rapid policy document review to describe the policy background of community-based health care in Vietnam and identify key informants. In-depth interviews were conducted with policymakers and implementers (n = 11) in different government sectors, international, and civil society organizations. We also conducted interviews (n = 8) and two focus group discussions with community members (n = 12), and interviews with health workers (n = 9) in 18 communities in Phu Yen and Binh Thuan provinces in the central region. Our study identified three main types of malaria workers: village health workers (VHWs), malaria post workers (MPWs) and other groups of workers supported by civil society organisations (CSO). Workers reported being willing to maintain their current roles and potentially provide additional services that respond to community needs, although they were concerned about excess workload and inadequate income. Besides working in a variety of jobs to secure their incomes, mainly in agriculture, VHWs in particular were primarily tasked with supporting the delivery of a wide range of health services from commune health stations. Faced with reduced patients, MPWs and CSO-supported workers could be tasked with the following potential roles: case notification for infectious diseases, real-time data collection and reporting, and screening for non-malaria illnesses using other rapid test kits. There was agreement that the community-based health network is crucial to health care delivery in remote communities and to ensure comprehensive access to care among vulnerable populations. However, policymakers and implementers stressed concerns about their limited skillsets, the inadequate budget to support these workers, and the regulation constraining them from performing diagnosis and treatment activities, highlighting the priority to maintain the capacity of workers and funding allocation through provincial advocacy and multi-programme collaboration. This study highlights the crucial role of community-based health workers in eliminating malaria in Vietnam. Sustained efforts are needed to maintain accessible case detection and treatment while addressing local health concerns beyond malaria. Implementing these strategies requires prioritizing the mapping of groups most in need and developing enablers to raise community awareness and maintain the capacity of these workers. Ensuring political advocacy, financial resources, and coordination between multiple groups are key to maximizing impact and integrating malaria activities into the broader health system.

CRSFL: Cluster-based Resource-aware Split Federated Learning for Continuous Authentication

In the ever-changing world of technology, continuous authentication and comprehensive access management are essential during user interactions with a device. Split Learning (SL) and Federated Learning (FL) have recently emerged as promising technologies for training a decentralized Machine Learning (ML) model. With the increasing use of smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, these distributed technologies enable users with limited resources to complete neural network model training with server assistance and collaboratively combine knowledge between different nodes. In this study, we propose combining these technologies to address the continuous authentication challenge while protecting user privacy and limiting device resource usage. However, the model’s training is slowed due to SL sequential training and resource differences between IoT devices with different specifications. Therefore, we use a cluster-based approach to group devices with similar capabilities to mitigate the impact of slow devices while filtering out the devices incapable of training the model. In addition, we address the efficiency and robustness of training ML models by using SL and FL techniques to train the clients simultaneously while analyzing the overhead burden of the process. Following clustering, we select the best set of clients to participate in training through a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimized on a carefully designed list of objectives. The performance of our proposed framework is compared to baseline methods, and the advantages are demonstrated using a real-life UMDAA-02-FD face detection dataset. The results show that CRSFL, our proposed approach, maintains high accuracy and reduces the overhead burden in continuous authentication scenarios while preserving user privacy.